Oilserv Limited, the contractor handling the construction of the 614-kilometre Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, has confirmed that it has successfully crossed the River Niger — one of the most difficult segments of the project. The company made this announcement on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, through an update shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
According to Oilserv, the river crossing was achieved using a specialised technology called Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), which is designed to reduce environmental impact during the installation of pipelines. The contractor emphasised that this method allows work to be done underground with minimal disruption to surface activities and nature.
“We have successfully crossed the 40-inch by 1.6-kilometre Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline through the River Niger using the Horizontal Directional Drilling special technique, minimising environmental impact,” the company stated. “We remain committed to driving Nigeria’s energy transition.”
The HDD technique is known as a trenchless method, commonly used to lay underground utilities such as gas pipes, electrical conduits, or water lines. The process involves launching a drilling rig from the surface to bore a curved path under natural or man-made obstacles like rivers, highways, or railways, and has become a preferred option for complex pipeline projects around the world.
Crossing the River Niger marks a major engineering feat in the AKK project, which is a central part of Nigeria’s gas infrastructure expansion. The pipeline, which is 40 inches in diameter and stretches over 600 kilometres, is designed to transport natural gas from Ajaokuta in Kogi State through Abuja and Kaduna to Kano. It is expected to supply gas to industries, power plants, and other off-takers in northern Nigeria.
The AKK gas pipeline is a critical element of the Federal Government’s long-term plan to unlock the country’s gas potential and transition to cleaner energy sources. The project also aims to reduce dependence on diesel and firewood in northern communities by increasing access to affordable and sustainable energy.
When completed, the pipeline will form part of the Trans-Nigeria Gas Pipeline (TNGP) system, which is linked to the West African Gas Pipeline and intended to open the door for future exports to neighbouring countries.
The River Niger crossing had been seen as one of the most technically challenging stages of the pipeline due to the size of the river and the complexity of drilling across it without disturbing the ecosystem. Oilserv’s announcement is being seen as a breakthrough in the progress of the project.
Last month, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), which is funding the pipeline from its internal balance sheet, said the AKK gas project had reached over 70 per cent completion.
In June 2024, then Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, had announced that the project would be ready in the first quarter of 2025. He gave this assurance while accompanying three cabinet ministers to the AKK site to inspect progress. The ministers present during the visit included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Kyari stated that although the original delivery date was December 2024, all efforts were being made to ensure the project would be completed by early 2025. He reiterated the economic importance of the AKK pipeline, noting that it would help revive dormant factories in the North, encourage new industries, and support the country’s gas-to-power strategy.
“The AKK project is of national importance,” Kyari said. “It will not only improve energy availability but also open up economic opportunities for millions of Nigerians, especially in northern Nigeria.”
The AKK pipeline is one of Nigeria’s most ambitious energy projects in recent years. Its successful delivery is expected to attract more investment in the country’s gas value chain and strengthen the local gas market. It is also a key part of Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative, aimed at repositioning gas as the main driver of economic growth.
Oilserv Limited, which has been at the forefront of pipeline construction in Nigeria, says it remains dedicated to meeting its obligations on the AKK project and supporting the federal government’s push toward a cleaner energy future.
